SAN FRANCISCO  Right-handed pitcher Andrew Cashner is starting Saturday's game for the Padres, taking the place of left-hander Clayton Richard, who is suffering from flu-like symptoms.

Though he was in the Padres rotation last year before sustaining an injury, Cashner has been working out the bullpen this season, posting a 3.86 earned-run average over 9 1/3 innings. He's struck out nine and allowed one home run.

Cashner was relegated to the long-relief role when Tyson Ross was named the No. 5 starter out of spring training. Ross' start Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers is also in question due to a shoulder issue.

Several members of the Padres, including manager Bud Black, have been hit with the bug through this road trip.